Acne
A clear guide to active acne in adults, what drives it, and the approaches a doctor may consider after assessment.
- Registered medical practitioner
- Standardised 3D imaging
- A written, personalised plan
What is acne?
Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects the hair follicles and oil glands. It can cause blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, pustules and deeper lumps, most often on the face, chest and back.
Acne is often associated with the teenage years, but many people continue to have it, or develop it for the first time, in adulthood. Adult acne is common and is often linked with hormonal changes.
Acne is usually managed over time. Dr Marie-Claire will assess the type and severity first, because the right approach depends on what is happening in your skin.
What causes acne?
Acne develops through several overlapping processes, and the balance between them differs between individuals.
Excess oil production
Oil glands may produce more oil than the skin needs, which creates an environment where pores can become blocked.
Blocked pores
Dead skin cells and oil can build up inside the follicle, forming the blackheads and whiteheads known as comedones.
Skin bacteria
A bacterium that naturally lives on the skin can multiply inside a blocked pore and contribute to inflammation.
Inflammation
The skin's inflammatory response produces red, tender bumps and deeper lumps, and it is a main driver of scarring risk.
Hormones
Hormonal shifts influence oil production and are a common factor in adult acne, particularly along the lower face and jawline.
Common influences
Influences differ from person to person, and a consultation can help work out which are relevant to you.
- Hormonal changes, including those linked to the menstrual cycle
- Stress, which may affect hormones and skin inflammation for some people
- Skincare or makeup products that block pores
- Over-cleansing or harsh products that irritate the skin barrier
- Picking or squeezing lesions
- Family history of acne
Types of acne
Acne is described by the kind of lesions present, and many people have more than one type at the same time.
Comedonal acne
Mainly blackheads and whiteheads without much redness. It is often the earliest form and tends to feel rough or congested.
Inflammatory acne
Red bumps and pustules caused by inflammation around blocked pores. These lesions can be tender and may leave marks.
Nodular or cystic acne
Deep, firm and often painful lumps beneath the skin. This form carries a higher risk of scarring and is usually worth reviewing early.
Adult and hormonal acne
Acne that appears or persists after the teenage years, often along the jawline, chin and lower cheeks, and may flare with hormonal shifts.
How is acne treated?
Acne is managed over time, and the plan depends on the type and severity. Treating active acne early may help reduce the chance of scarring. Dr Marie-Claire will assess your skin and discuss options in consultation. Individual results vary.
Skin health and daily care
A consistent, gentle routine suited to acne-prone skin, with daily sun protection, supports the skin barrier. Dr Marie-Claire will outline an approach for your skin.
Discover moreChemical peels
Chemical peels may be considered in selected cases to support the skin's surface and help with blocked pores, chosen according to your skin and how active the acne is.
Discover morePrescription treatments and referral
Prescription treatments, where appropriate, are discussed in consultation. For moderate to severe acne, or acne that is not settling, Dr Marie-Claire may refer you to your GP or a dermatologist.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I still have acne as an adult?
Acne commonly continues into adulthood or appears for the first time later in life. Hormonal changes, genetics, stress and some skincare products can all play a part. Adult acne often settles along the lower face and jawline. A medical assessment helps identify the pattern in your skin and guides which approaches may be considered. Individual results vary.
Can acne be cured?
Acne is usually managed rather than cured, and it can come and go in phases. Many people find it can be well controlled with a suitable plan, and it often becomes less active over time. Dr Marie-Claire will assess your skin and discuss a realistic plan. No outcome is guaranteed.
Does treating acne early reduce scarring?
Inflammation in the skin is a main driver of acne scarring, so treating active acne early may help reduce the chance of scars forming. Picking and squeezing lesions can increase the risk. If scars have already formed, there are separate approaches that can be considered once the acne is under control.
When should acne be seen by a GP or dermatologist?
A referral may be appropriate when acne is moderate to severe, involves deep painful lumps, is leaving scars, or is not settling with initial care. Dr Marie-Claire can assess your skin at her St Kilda studio and refer you to your GP or a dermatologist where that is the better pathway.
How much does acne treatment cost in Melbourne?
Cost depends on the area, the approach and the number of sessions, and it is set out in a written plan after consultation. A consultation at her St Kilda studio lets Dr Marie-Claire examine your skin and discuss the options before anything is agreed.
Treatments that may be considered
Every plan starts with an assessment. Individual results vary.
Synergie chemical peels
Professional-strength superficial peels used for pigmentation, skin texture and acne, chosen for your skin at a St Kilda consultation.
Discover more
Skin health
A tailored daily skincare regimen and sun protection plan, based on an assessment of your skin in St Kilda.
Discover moreRelated conditions
Important information
All medical and aesthetic procedures carry risk. Suitability, risks, recovery and expected outcomes are discussed in a private consultation with Dr Marie-Claire before any treatment is planned. Consultations are not available to anyone under 18. Individual results vary and no outcome is guaranteed.
Treatment is planned only after a full consultation, and options are discussed after assessment, only where clinically appropriate.
Start with a consultation.
Dr Marie-Claire will assess your skin, talk through your options and explain the risks before any treatment is planned.